BYU Explodes for 349 Rushing Yards in 1st Half vs. Texas

The BYU Cougars have rushed for 349 yards during the first half of a home game against the No. 15 Texas Longhorns. That isn't a misprint, so no, you don't need to refresh this page to see the number updated with one that's approximately 200 yards lower.

BYU lit up the No. 15 team in the nation for 349 rushing yards on 42 carries in one half.

UPDATE: Sunday, Sept. 8

Not only did BYU score an impressive 40-21 victory over the 15th-ranked Longhorns, but the Cougars finished with a whopping 550 yards on the ground.

---End of update---

Original Text

Led by quarterback Taysom Hill, the Cougars have put on an offensive clinic by pounding the rock. Two players have already topped 100 yards rushing, another has exceeded 65 and the Cougars have done all of this while playing the No. 15 Longhorns.

All signs point toward a Cougars victory.

Words cannot describe how extraordinary BYU's running game has been.

Hill leads all players with 12 carries for 166 yards and two touchdowns, good for an average of 13.8 yards per attempt. That includes a 68-yard rushing touchdown during the first quarter and a 20-yard scamper for a score in the second quarter.

That's how you make up for going 4-of-17 through the air.

Sophomore running back Jamaal Williams has carried the ball 18 times for 108 yards, just one week removed from a 144-yard performance against the Virginia Cavaliers. Junior back Paul Lasike has provided the supporting fire with 10 carries for 69 yards and a touchdown.

No matter which way you cut it, this is a legendary and unforeseen half of football.

Last week, BYU ran for 187 yards during a 19-16 loss to Virginia. This week, it has already come close to doubling that number after just two quarters.

With a 27-14 lead over Texas at the half, don't be surprised to see BYU build that number even higher.